Noteworthy Characteristics

Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly known as Sawara cypress, is a large, pyramidal, evergreen conifer that grows in the wild to 50-70’ (infrequently to 150') tall with a trunk diameter to 5'. In cultivation, it more typically matures to a much smaller 20-30' tall. It is native to the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Fine-textured medium green needles are tinted white beneath. Cones are small (1/4" across) and ornamentally insignificant, appearing glaucous green during summer before turning black-brown when ripe. Reddish brown bark peels in strips. Species plants are rarely sold in commerce, but a large number of more compact cultivars including some dwarfs are available for purchase.

Genus name comes from the Greek words chamai meaning low growing and kyparissos meaing cypress in reference to the botanical relationship and growth habit of some genus members.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin word pissum meaing pea and ferre meaing to bear in reference to the very small rounded cones.

'Vintage Gold' is a dwarf, golden foliage form of Sawara cypress. It is an evergreen, mounding, globose cultivar that reportedly will reach a mature height of 5-7 feet tall. It features golden, fine-textured, feathery foliage. Slower growing.

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems. Plants in the genus Chamaecyparis generally have some susceptibility to juniper blight, root rot and certain insect pests such as bagworms.